In Memoriam - Rogers McVaugh - 1909-2009

Posted: 9/24/2009

Rogers McVaugh was internationally renowned for his expertise in Compositae, Myrtaceae, Campanulaceae, woody Rosaceae, and the flora of Mexico, as well as botanical history and nomenclature. The genera Mcvaughia, Macvaughiella, and Chamguava are named in his honor.

“Rog,” as he was known to his friends, began his association with the University of Michigan in the Department of Botany and Herbarium in 1946, following appointments at the University of Georgia and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was Curator of Vascular Plants from 1946 until 1979, the year of his retirement, and Director of the Herbarium from 1972 until 1975. He was named Harley Harris Bartlett Professor of Botany in 1974.

His focus on the flora of western Mexico and collaboration with his former student William R. Anderson culminated in the acclaimed series “Flora Novo-Galiciana.” Owing to Rog’s prodigious field work and expertise in neotropical families, which brought ceaseless gifts for determination from other collectors, the University of Michigan Herbarium is a treasure trove for plants of Mexico and the families that were his specialty.

Rog remained active in research throughout his retirement and, following his move to Chapel Hill in 1980, he was appointed Research Professor of Botany at the University of North Carolina and Adjunct Research Scientist at the Hunt Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. His relatives and friends gathered for a joyous celebration of his 100th birthday in June. Now we mourn losing a friend, mentor, and great botanist.